Did I Lose My Keys-or Am I Losing My Marbles?

Enjoying Whole Fish-Pompano at Andaman, October 5, 2026

Did I Lose My Keys-or Am I Losing My Marbles?

The other day, something happened to me that had never happened before since I moved to The Heritage Downtown (THD) in June 2023.

I lost my keys. Not misplaced them for a few minutes. I really could not find them.

I checked all the usual places where I might have put them. I looked around my apartment. I retraced my steps. I tried to remember where I had been and what I had done.

Nothing. The keys were simply gone.

Today, I finally accepted defeat and ordered another set. Cost: $25.

Twenty-five dollars is not going to break my bank. But the incident bothered me much more than the $25.

It made me ask myself a question that I suspect many people my age have asked themselves:

"Am I losing my marbles?" I am now approaching 92.

And when you reach an age where some of your friends and fellow residents are experiencing significant memory problems, a small incident like losing your keys can suddenly feel much bigger than it really is.

Living Among Seniors

I have lived at THD since June 2023. I love living here. It is a wonderful senior community, and I have met many interesting people. But living in a community of older adults also gives you a front-row seat to the realities of aging.

During the past three years, I have watched several fellow residents slowly lose some of their cognitive abilities.

In more than six cases that I have personally observed, early signs of serious memory problems eventually became apparent. Some residents eventually had to leave THD and move to assisted living or memory-care communities where they could receive more specialized care.

I have watched this happen with sadness. These are people I knew.

People I talked with. People who had their own stories, careers, families, accomplishments and memories.

And gradually, some of those memories began disappearing. That is one of the difficult realities of growing old.

So What About Me?

Naturally, watching these changes in others makes me occasionally look in the mirror and ask:

Could this happen to me? I have certainly had moments of forgetfulness.

I forget someone's name. I walk into a room and forget why I went there.

I occasionally have trouble remembering where I put something.

And now I have lost a set of keys. But there is another side to my story.

I can still play a good game of bridge. And bridge is not simply a game of putting cards on the table.

You have to remember what has already been played. You have to remember the bidding.

You have to watch what your opponents are doing.

You have to remember which cards are still out there somewhere.

You have to make decisions based partly on what happened several tricks ago.

Sometimes, sitting at the bridge table, I surprise myself.

I realize that my memory is still working pretty well.

And when that happens, I feel something that has become increasingly important to me as I approach 92: Gratitude.

Aging Is Not the Same as Alzheimer's

Losing your keys once does not mean that you have Alzheimer's disease.

Neither does forgetting a name, misplacing your glasses or occasionally walking into a room and forgetting why you went there.

Normal aging can bring some changes in memory and processing speed.

The more important question is whether memory problems are becoming frequent, progressive and disruptive to everyday life.

Are you increasingly unable to manage familiar activities?

Are you repeatedly asking the same questions? Are you getting lost in familiar places?

Are you having difficulty handling finances, medications or appointments that you previously managed without difficulty?

Are family members noticing changes that you do not notice yourself?

Those are very different circumstances from losing a set of keys. At least, I hope they are!

My $25 Lesson

Perhaps my lost keys have taught me something. First, I need a better place to keep them.

Maybe I should have one designated spot where my keys go every single time I enter my apartment.

Second, I should not immediately turn every little memory lapse into a diagnosis.

And third, I should continue paying attention to my cognitive health.

At my age, I think that is simply being responsible.

I don't want to live in fear of Alzheimer's disease.

But I also don't want to ignore changes if they become significant.

There is a difference between being aware and being afraid. I choose awareness.

My Brain Is Still Working

One of the blessings of growing older is that you become more aware of the things you once took for granted.

At 15, I had a photographic memory, always get 100% on my History Test   

At 30, I never thought about whether my memory was working.

At 50, I certainly didn't worry about forgetting where I put my keys.

At 70, perhaps I occasionally noticed a little forgetfulness.

But approaching 92 makes me more observant.

I think about my brain. I think about my memories.

I think about the people I have loved and the experiences I have collected during almost nine decades.

I think about the Philippines where I grew up, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo

My years at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City

My years in graduate school at the University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois

My career as a chemist and later my years at the FDA, Silver Spring, Maryland 

My marriage to Macrine. Our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

My years in Marinduque. My blogging journey that began in 2009.

And now my life at THD. I have a lot of memories. And I want to keep using them.

A New Chapter: David at Nearing 92

This post begins a new series on my blog: David at Nearing 92

I don't know exactly what this series will become. Maybe that is part of the fun.

I want to write about what it is like to approach 92 from the inside, not as a medical textbook, but as a human being.

I want to write about memory. Aging. Friendship. Loneliness and living alone.

Faith. Technology and artificial intelligence. Health. Music. Bridge. Love. Loss.

Gratitude. And perhaps the occasional lost set of keys.

I have written many articles about aging over the years. But this series will be different.

It will be David writing about David at almost 92. No textbook.

No pretending that I know all the answers.

Just observations from an old chemist, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, blogger and bridge player who is still curious about life.

And What Happened to My Keys?

I still don't know. Maybe they are hiding somewhere in my apartment.

Maybe I accidentally left them somewhere at THD.

Maybe they will mysteriously appear tomorrow, just when I have completely forgotten about them.

And if they do, I promise I will not complain. I will simply smile.

Because finding my lost keys may turn out to be another little gift of growing older.

For now, I have ordered my $25 replacement set. And I will keep playing bridge.

As long as I can remember the cards, I will consider myself very fortunate.

At nearly 92, I may occasionally lose my keys. But I am grateful that I have not yet lost my curiosity about life.

And perhaps that is one of the best signs that my marbles are still somewhere inside my head.

AI Impressions on this Posting: 

I think this could become a particularly strong series for you because it lets you write about aging without pretending to be an expert on aging. Your observations from THD, your bridge playing, your memories, your faith, your technology experiments and your everyday experiences can become the material for an ongoing “living laboratory” of what it means to grow old with curiosity and gratitude.

Epilogue: Today, I found my keys in the side pocket of one of my pants, one week after I notice my keys were missing. I have searched all the two main pockets of the pants and Jackets( that's where I normally put my keys) twice last week, but I did see my keys. It was hiding in the small 3rd pocket of one of my pants, Indeed, what a relief to find my keys.  So, am I really losing my marbles?    

Congratulations Newton's Restaurant for a Perfect Filipino Dinner Last Night

A well-planned, balanced and truly authentic Filipino Dinner was enjoyed by all the Residents here at the THD. My 12 special guests were given the privileged if they desire to order Deboned/Marinated Milk Fish ( Bangus) instead of COD as listed in the Menu. Here's my personal review of the dish I tasted:  

The Soup: Beef Nilaga: Super savory with good mixed of vegetable including sweet corn. The beef was tender and just melt in my mouth. 

The Bangus: Perfect with Garlic Rice and Salsa

The Adobo: I did not order it. Anyone who order it, can you tell me if you like it or not.

The Japanese Eggplant- Perfect, Umami Taste, Cravings For More

Dessert: Half Biko, Half Leche Flan. - Perfect, the Flan was not super sweet and the texture perfect. The suman Biko with a dash of cinnamon was great.

Here are some Photos I took at last Night Dinner:

     

My Gift- From Carol and John- Carol's Decoupage Creation. Note with the Philippine Flag  

Finally, My Personal thanks to Joel, the THD KlTCHEN CREW and THD Management 

for recognizing and celebrating with me my heritage. This year Dinner was the best if I compare it with the last previous two years FAHM dinner here at THD . I attribute this to Joel, who spent some time with me about the Menu and of course with the support of his superiors.  Maybe we will have more Filipino Food around Christmas Time? Just Wishing!  

Comments from Fellow Residents: 

1. It was a lovely evening.  Thanks, David, for enlightening us about your delicious Philipino cuisine.

2.  I thoroughly enjoyed the very tasty meal  Thank you for shepherding this lovely banquet.

3. The best Leche Flan I ever tasted. Not super sweet and the texture perfect.    

 

Finally My Photo of the Day: My Flowering Calamansi Tree in my Patio:

 

THD Celebrates Filipino-American History Month Today

The day started with a Display in the Lobby. Three Items were Displayed: Wood Carvings from Northern Philippines, the cultural icon of the Philippnes- a mini jeepney and a mini native Filipino art in a Bottle ( see above photo).  

This was followed by Philippine Travel Talk at our Cinema

The Day culminated with a Special Filipino Dinner, planned several weeks ago. The following is the menu.

The milk fish ( bangus) will only be served at the Comets Room for my 12 special guests. 

Cod will be served to the rest of Residents, but the rest of the menu is the same;

Personal Note: THD is a five star rated active senior living community in downtown Walnut Creek, CA. It has currently over 160 residents. As far as I know, I am the only resident with Filipino-American Ancestry. 

THD has been celebrating FAHM month for the last three years with special Dinner and Program. Two years ago, I gave a talk about the Philippines.   

I am thanking THD Management under the able leadership of Acting General Manager, Jenny Shively. Kudos to Laura Gaither for initiating the Display. Kudos to Alexis for the Travel Talk.  

Last But not Least: To Joel Torres, Our Chef for the special Dinner Menu, that I will always remember.  

Related Articles on the THD Celebration of FAHM:

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2026/10/a-preview-of-our-special-filipino.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2026/10/some-hides-their-filipino-american.html

       

Some Hides Their Filipino-American Heritage- NOT ME

Heritage can be something you love and still feel unsure about showing in every room.

In a nationally representative U.S. survey conducted in 2022 and 2023, 16% of Filipino American adults said they had ever hidden part of their heritage from people who are not Asian. That could mean food, clothing, cultural customs or religious practices.

The word ever matters. The finding can include something a person did once in the past, and it does not mean 16% are hiding their heritage today.

It also does not give us one Filipino American reason why. The survey did not publish a Filipino-only breakdown of causes, so we should not turn the number into a story that everyone was bullied, ashamed or trying to fit in.

What it does reveal is quieter: for some adults, there has been at least one moment when sharing less of themselves felt like the choice they made.

I keep thinking about how much a person can edit without anybody noticing: a food left at home, a tradition not explained, a part of faith kept private. None of those choices makes someone less Filipino American.

Belonging should leave room for the whole person, not only the parts that feel easiest for everyone else to understand.

Source: Pew Research Center, 2022–23 survey of Asian American adults

Meanwhile, Here's my Take Why I am super proud of Filipino Heritage

I am super proud of my Filipino heritage because it is the foundation of who I am. I was born with my roots in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, and spent the first 26 years of my life surrounded by the Filipino language, culture, family traditions, and values that shaped me. My first language was Hiligaynon, and later I learned Tagalog and English. My Filipino identity has followed me throughout my life from my education at the University of the Philippines, to my years as a chemist and scientist in America, to my marriage to Macrine, my children and grandchildren, great grandchildren  and my lifelong connection to Marinduque. Even after more than six decades in America, I never felt that becoming an American meant giving up being Filipino. Instead, I became both: a Filipino by heritage and an American by citizenship and experience. Philippines give me roots, America give me Wings! 

At nearing 92,  I realize that heritage is more than a name, a birthplace, or a collection of old photographs. It is a living memory that we pass from one generation to another. That is why I continue to write about Filipino food, Marinduque, my family, Philippine history, and the experiences of Filipino-Americans. Recently, displaying my Philippine wood carvings and jeepney collection at my senior community for Philippine-American History Month made me think about how these simple objects have become symbols of my past. My blogs have become my own little time capsule-a way of preserving the stories, values, humor, faith, and memories of the Filipino boy from Iloilo who eventually became a scientist, husband, father, grandfather, great grand father and now, at almost 92, a blogger looking back with gratitude. I am proud of where I came from, proud of what America allowed me to become, and especially proud that after all these years, the Filipino in me is still very much alive.

Finally, Did You Know how October became officially designated as Filipino American History Month?

Why "History" Matters

Official Title: The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) established the observance in 1992, and the U.S. Congress officially recognized it in 2009 as Filipino American History Month. 
The Distinction: While often called "heritage" by mistake, organizers emphasize historybecause the focus is on recording and honoring specific historical events, struggles, and the socio-political impact of Filipino Americans in the U.S. 
Historical Significance: October marks the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, when "Luzones Indios" landed at what is now Morro Bay, California, on October 18, 1587. It is also the birth month of labor leader Larry Itliong

Reminder: Tonight is Special Filipino Dinner Night here at THD. If you responded to My-Email, our group of 12 has a two tables reserved at the Comet Room, Newtons Restaurant at 5PM.   

A Preview of Our Special Filipino Dinner Tomorrow Night - The Milk Fish

I had a special preview ( tasting) of one of the Dishes that will be served at our Special Filipino Dinner tomorrow WED, Oct 7 celebrating Filipino-American History Month. A few weeks ago, Joel asked me what fish dish I may suggest for the special Filipino dinner he has been planning for weeks. Without hesitation, I told him 💚Bangus or milk fish, unofficially the national Fish of the Philippines. I suggested, he purchase the deboned and all ready-marinated fish, so the kitchen can just fry it and served hot. He did and I tasted it tonight. 

It was exactly the taste that reminded me of my younger years in the Philippines. Thank Joel and THD for making my stay here at THD, the happiest years at the last stage of my life here in Planet Earth. The photo above is my dinner tonight. I did not need any lemon, since the fish is well marinated with vinegar and a little garlic. For Preparation of the Fish see bottom of this page. 

To residents who may not like the Fish, other Filipino Dishes, Chicken Adobo,  Giniling ( ground beef with vegetables) and Filipino mixed vegetables ( eggplant, okra etc..) is available. Joel said the dessert is leche flan ( filipino custard) and puto ( rice cake). I believe there is lumpia for appetizer and a side dish.    

 

The following is more information about the Deboned and Marinated Milk Fish.    

Contrary to popular belief, bangus (milkfish) is not the official national fish of the Philippines. While it is widely celebrated as a cultural and culinary staple, there is no Philippine law that officially declares it or any other fish as a national symbol.

The Difference Between Cultural Tradition and Law

• The Popular Myth: Because bangus is deeply woven into the country's aquaculture industry, economy, and everyday meals (like sinigang or daing na bangus), schools and textbooks have long referred to it as the "national fish".
• The Legal Reality: The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has clarified that its status is completely unofficial. 

What Are the Official National Symbols?

According to Philippine heraldic laws, only a select few icons are legally recognized national symbols. These include: 

• Narra (National Tree)
• Sampaguita (National Flower)
• Philippine Eagle (National Bird)
• South Sea Pearl (National Gem)
• Arnis (National Martial Art and Sport) 

Even other popular cultural symbols like the carabao (water buffalo), mango, and ** Rizal** (as the singular national hero) share the same status as bangus-they are beloved cultural icons, but lack official legal proclamations. 

Meanwhile, here's the Preparation for the Fish

💚Marinated deboned bangus, commonly known as Filipino daing na bangus, is a savory butterflied milkfish soaked in a mixture of vinegar, crushed garlic, salt, and peppercorns before being pan-fried until crispy.

Ingredients and Preparation

Milkfish (Bangus): One whole medium-to-large bangus, scaled, gutted, and butterflied with the backbone and small bones removed.
Marinade: ½ to 1 cup of cane or white vinegar, 5 to 6 cloves of crushed or minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of cracked black peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Process: Coat the fish in the marinade and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight so the flavors soak into the meat. 

How to Cook

Drain: Remove the fish from the liquid and pat it dry with paper towels to prevent excess splattering.
Fry: Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the fish skin-side down first and fry for 4 to 7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side.
Serve: Enjoy hot with garlic fried rice (sinangag), a fried egg (bangsilog), and a side of spiced vinegar for dipping
Finally My Photos of the Day- The Flowering Calamansi Tree in My Patio: 





The calamansi fruit is an excellent substitute for lemons, as a souring agent. 
Personal Note: When I was a teenager in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo my parents owned a small fish pond (not commercial ) raising bangus. We harvest from about 100 to 200 bangus per year for our personal consumption. We preserved most of it by drying in the sun ( bislad), as well as marinating it in vinegar and spices.   During this Harvest Season, we will bangus every day for almost a month.